What is the ruling on masturbation, and is the one who does it considered an adulterer?

"Zina" (fornication/adultery) in its specific meaning has been defined in Fatwas No. 32203 and No. 93611. Masturbation is forbidden, and its act is not described as "zina" in the most specific sense that incurs a legal punishment (hadd). Rather, it is described as "zina" in a general sense, based on the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) saying: "And the zina of the hand is touching." And in 'Awn al-Ma'bud it states: "So their zina is grasping: meaning taking and touching." It is obligatory for the one who commits it to repent to Allah.